Effect of residual profile nitrate on corn response to applied nitrogen

Journal Article · · Soil Science Society of America Journal; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2136/sssaj1988.03615995005200050032x· OSTI ID:5644760

Bundy, L G; Malone, E S ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Wisconsin, Madison (USA)

Residual profile NO{sub 3} significantly affects crop N fertilizer requirements in semiarid regions, but little information is available on the influence of profile NO{sub 3} on crop response to applied N in humid climates. Experiments were conducted on three well-drained silt loam soils to investigate profile NO{sub 3} accumulation and retention and to determine the effect of profile NO{sub 3}-N on corn (Zea mays L.) response to applied N under humid climatic conditions. In 1983, spring preplant N (0, 134, 268, or 402 kg N ha{sup {minus}1}) was applied to corn at each location. Fall 1983 profile NO{sub 3}-N to 90 or 120 cm was linearly related to 1983 N rate and ranged from 52 to 644 kg N ha{sup {minus}1}. Overwinter retention of fall profile NO{sub 3}-N varied from 45 to 66% among locations in a year with above normal fall to spring precipitation. Original plots at all locations were split in 1984, and preplant N rates of 0, 78, 156, or 234 kg N ha{sup {minus}1} were superimposed on each 1983 N treatment. Corn yields in the absence of applied N and yield response to added N were significantly affected by spring profile NO{sub 3}-N content. With no applied N, profile NO{sub 3}-N to 90 cm accounted for 84% of the variation in yield at the most responsive site. Grain yields were maximized in the absence of applied N where profile NO{sub 3}-N to 90 cm was > 150 kg N ha{sup {minus}1}. Similarly, yields were maximized in the absence of applied N where profile NO{sub 3}-N exceeded 150 kg N ha{sup {minus}1}. These results indicate that profile NO{sub 3}-N significantly affects corn response to applied N on some Wisconsin soils. Adjustment of N recommendations for profile NO{sub 3}-N should allow more accurate prediction of corn N fertilizer requirements on these soils when substantial overwinter carryover of profile NO{sub 3}-N occurs.

• OSTI ID: 5644760
• Journal Information: Soil Science Society of America Journal; (USA), Journal Name: Soil Science Society of America Journal; (USA) Vol. 52:5; ISSN SSSJD; ISSN 0361-5995
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

510200* -- Environment
Terrestrial-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (-1989)
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
560300 -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
CEREALS
ECOLOGICAL CONCENTRATION
FERTILIZERS
GRAMINEAE
LILIOPSIDA
MAGNOLIOPHYTA
MAIZE
NITRATES
NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PLANTS
PRODUCTIVITY
RETENTION
SOILS